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Everyone loves the iPod. It’s the standard of portable media. It’s easy
to use, it’s stylish and it keeps getting better. The Apple TV? It’s
different. It’s always been cool but it’s also been overlooked. I
cant tell you why, it’s a great solution to on-demand video and it’s a
great way to access your digital media from your pc. With the new
software update it’s easier to navigate and better to browse.
The interface isn’t drastically different from the old version of the
software but it is better. The idea behind the old interface was to keep
the navigation of main menus to the minimum so you can easily explore
(and purchase) content. This is a unique new interface that has a bigger
emphasis on menus. It’s easier to explore your content that’s available
on your Apple TV, on your PC, and available for download, only because
you don’t always have to wait for three hundred images to load. Most of
them are already there, loaded with the menu. It’s also easier to browse
the content in sub categories. In the movies section on the HD is
separated from the normal movies, ditto that with TV shows.. So the
video content is easier to get at with the new Apple TV software update
because a greater emphasis has been placed on a bigger menu system while
not sacrificing the ability to view your content.
The best thing that’s available with the software update is the ability
to browse and listen to internet radio stations. Of course they have to
be listed with Apple but there’s a strong selection to work with and
it’s a great alternative to some set top boxes that are made basically
only to allow you to listen to internet radio stations.
The other new thing with the Apple TV is actually something that’s
relatively new to iTunes. ITunes LP and iTunes Extras. Now your Apple TV
can run and read both of these formats so it’s like having a DVD without
the disc with iTunes Extras. And you get the unique experience that is
the iTunes LP on your high-def TV.
The new Apple TV does have one disadvantage. I don’t think the menu
system looks as good as it could. It’s a little rough around the edges.
Really the only reason it’s a little rough around the edges is the top
of the menu where the content is listed. The thumbnails look fine but
the background doesn’t make them look as well as they should and it just
needs slightly more polished than it is.
The recent update of the Apple TV made it better. That much we know for
sure. It’s easier to browse and access your content and a decent menu
system has been applied. The ability to listen to internet radio
stations is awesome and is a welcome addition to any home theatre
system. The best thing about the Apple TV is there’s still so much room
for growth. Moving forward with this version of the device and
future versions will be interesting.
What's Wrong: The remote needs to be larger and possibly have a few more
buttons. There's no buttons on the box itself. Power management isn't
great.
What's Right: On-Demand video in HD. The Access to all of your media on
your PC or Mac in your home entertainment system. Internet Radio. Access to the
best digital media store on the planet.
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